Walter White exhibited a hint of understanding, and even issued an apology of sorts, as “Breaking Bad” ended its run. Too late to undo his villainy, he did take steps toward honor in a last confrontation with his wife and his surrogate son. Before the deconstruction, where would you say “Breaking Bad” falls in the top 5 all-time great TV finales?

I believe it’s among the very best, in the company of “St. Elsewhere,” which was the most mind-blowing, “M*A*S*H,” which was most poignant, “Six Feet Under,” which offered the best closure to long-term fans, and “Newhart,” in which Bob Newhart managed the most hilarious ending and had the best inside joke. Where “The Sopranos” opted for the most ambiguous ending and lost points, “Breaking Bad” stayed true to itself, finding some justice, letting Walt make a character-defining true confession and even managing a bit of redemption. The fact is, the final eight episodes expertly built to this moment. Take a bow, Vince Gilligan.

Joanne Ostrow has been watching TV since before "reality" required quotation marks. "Hill Street Blues" was life-changing. If Dickens, Twain or Agatha Christie were alive today, they'd be writing for television. And proud of it.